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For as long as I can remember, Canon's super telephoto lenses came in a rigid lens trunk. These lockable shaped trunks were very protective and were good for storage, stacking and shipping purposes. However, these trunks were expensive, often far oversized, could not hold a camera body, were not especially comfortable to shoulder carry and rarely left my studio.
 
Upon opening the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens box, I found a surprise. New with the version III telephoto lenses is a sling-style (single strap) shoulder case replacing the trunk.
 
This nylon case looks great, is relatively compact and light, is well-padded, is easy to use with smooth-functioning zippers and large pulls, and has a round molded-plastic bottom that keeps it upright on a flat surface. A thin 7" (178mm) tall by 5" (127mm) wide zippered pocket and two strap attachment points are provided on both sides of the case. The shoulder strap is padded and strong, and breathable padding is provided on the case side of the strap, adding to the shoulder-carrying comfort. The convenient hand strap on top is also strong with breathable-padding. Four hook-and-loop-adjustable pads are provided for interior use.
 

 
My first impressions were good and upon first looking into the case, I got a little extra excited – it was over-sized at the top and it appeared that a mounted DSLR might fit. Unfortunately, that excitement was short lived – the case is not quite big enough at the top to hold even a non-gripped DSLR.
 

 
Leaving the extra 2" (50mm) of vertical space at the top of the case for an extender to be mounted makes some sense, but for that purpose, the case could have been made less broad at the top for more compact design, though perhaps not as aesthetically pleasing. Making the case shorter seems more logical to me. Of course, the extra 2" on top would make this case accommodate larger lenses. The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens was announced at the same time as the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens, but it is too long to fit in this case. Perhaps an upcoming Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS III Lens will share this case?
 
Making the case large enough for a mounted DSLR to fit would have been my preference. The additional cost would have been very little (especially relative to the cost of the lens) and the utility of the case would have been greatly increased.
 
For those who love the trunk style case, Canon has you covered. The Canon 400E Lens Case is available. Brace yourself before looking at the price.

Image quality test results have been added to the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens page.
 
Is the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III Lens sharper than the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II? It is hard to tell the difference in a perfection vs. perfection comparison. That the III weighs so much less than the II makes the III's image quality look much better to me.
 
The Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens is in stock at B&H and available for preorder at Amazon | Adorama | WEX.
 
Rent the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens from Lensrentals.

Just posted: Nikon Z 6 (AKA Z6) Review.
 
Only a small set of differences separate the Z 6 and Nikon Z 7 cameras and the two reviews, created simultaneously, will also share significant content. The low price will be the most significant Z 6 advantage for most. Again, please share the review with your Nikon friends.
 
The Nikon Z 6 is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX.
 
Rent the Nikon Z 6 from Lensrentals.

Just posted: Nikon Z 7 (AKA Z7) Review.
 
As you likely expected to hear, the Z 7 is a great little camera (though not flawless). Be sure to share the review with your Nikon friends!
 
The Nikon Z 7 is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX.
 
Check out the used Nikon Z 7 cameras at B&H in conditions rated as high as "Open Box with full manufacturer warranty".
 
Rent the Nikon Z 7 from Lensrentals.

Image quality test results have been added to the Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E AF-S VR Lens page.
 
This is a much-loved lens that has great utility. However, this model does seem to show more than average image quality variability. This particular copy shows good performance at the focal length extents (typically the most-used on a zoom lens). The lateral CA in the with-2x Teleconverter III corners is ... rather extreme.
 
The Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E AF-S VR Lens is in stock at B&H (note the used options in up to 10 condition) | Amazon (note the certified refurbished option)| Adorama | WEX.
 
Rent the Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E AF-S VR Lens from Lensrentals.

Just posted: MindShift Gear FirstLight 30L Review.
 
The MindShift Gear FirstLight series cases are really nice. After falling in love with the 40L, and hearing the same report from so many site friends, I opted to give the 30L a try and ... it is just as nice.
 
The MindShift Gear FirstLight 30L is in stock at Think Tank Photo (MindShift Gear) | B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX.

Just posted: Robus RC-5570 Vantage Carbon Fiber Tripod Review.
 
This is an impressive tripod with an equally impressively low price.
 
The Robus RC-5570 Vantage Carbon Fiber Tripod is in stock at B&H.

Just posted: Canon RF 28-70mm F2 L USM Lens Review.
 
Having the RF 28-70mm F2 L mounted is like having a kit full of prime lenses mounted at the same time.
 
Get in line now – the first delivery of these lenses didn't fill the initial demand. The Canon RF 28-70mm F2 L USM Lens is available for preorder at B&H (expected in stock on 1/7) | Amazon | Adorama | WEX.
 
Rent the Canon RF 28-70mm F2 L USM Lens from Lensrentals.

A 70-200mm telephoto zoom lens is often a pro photographer's most-used lens aside from a general purpose zoom. Engagements, weddings, parties, events, theater, stage performances, high school senior, fashion, documentary, lifestyle, zoo, sports, product and landscape photography are all great uses for this focal length range.
 
Those wanting to add a 70-200mm lens to their Sony kits will likely be considering the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS and Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS lenses. With that in mind, we're going to take a closer look at these lenses to see which might be the best investment option.
 
Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS and FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS Primary Shared Features
 

• Sony E-mount, full-frame compatible
• 70-200mm focal length range
• A constant max aperture
• Does not extend with zoom/focus changes
• Built-in Optical SteadyShot with 2 modes
• Included tripod mount ring and lens hood
• Focus hold buttons
• Focus range limiter

Primary Advantages of the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens
 

• Wider Aperture: f/2.8 vs. f/4
• Better weather sealing
• More Aperture Blades: 11 vs. 9
• Higher Max Magnification: 0.25x vs. 0.13

Primary Advantages of the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS Lens
 

• Smaller Size: 3.1 x 6.9" (80.0 x 175.0mm) vs. 3.5 x 7.9" (88 x 200mm)
• Lighter Weight: 29.7 oz (840g) vs. 52.2 oz (1480g)
• Lower cost

Other Spec Differences: Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS vs. FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS
 

• Front Filter Size: 77mm vs. 72
• Elements/Groups: 23/18 vs. 21/15
• Filter adjustment window in hood vs. N/A

Image Quality Differences: Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS vs. FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS
 
The FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS is sharper than the FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS in most direct aperture comparisons and shows less lateral CA overall. As can be expected from a wider aperture lens, the f/2.8 lens has less peripheral shading at f/4 than the f/4 lens has wide open. That difference is mostly erased at f/5.6 and the f/4 lens has even slightly less vignetting in some f/8 comparisons. The f/4 lens has slightly less distortion.
 
Who should opt for the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens?
 
Wedding and event photographers, who need to freeze action in low-light situations, will greatly benefit from the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS's twice-as-wide aperture which allows them to freeze motion in half as much light compared to the FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS. Portrait photographers will also appreciate the increased background blur the f/2.8 lens is capable of, enabling even better/more desirable separation between the subject and background. The mount gasket seal of the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS indicates that it is a better weather sealed lens compared to the f/4 lens. That Sony proudly offers a gasketing illustration for the f/2.8 lens (shown below) but not the f/4 model bolsters this assertion.
 

Those planning on using their 70-200mm lenses in inclement weather, such as sports photographers, will likely want to spring for the f/2.8 model.
 
Who should opt for the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS Lens?
 
Those who do not need an f/2.8 max aperture can enjoy many of the benefits found in the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS – including a highly useful focal length range, a constant max aperture, OSS and included accessories – in a lens that's smaller, lighter and less expensive. Photographers who intend on using their 70-200mm lenses in good light and in pleasant weather, those who prioritize smaller/lighter gear because of transportation limitations (hikers, backpackers, etc.) and/or those who are budget limited will likely find the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS to be the perfect lens for their needs.
 
Relevant Info
 

• Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens Review
• Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS Lens Review

Image quality test results have been added to the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM Lens Review page.
 
You ... want this lens under your Christmas tree.
 
The Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX.
 
Rent the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM Lens from Lensrentals.

Just posted: Really Right Stuff LCF-54 Foot Review.
 
After seven months of using the LCF-54, it has become a must-have accessory.
 
The Really Right Stuff LCF-54 Foot is in stock at B&H.
 
If you have a different lens with a tripod collar, check out the other Really Right Stuff replacement feet available. Wimberley and Kirk also make high quality replacement feet.

Just posted: Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro Lens Review.
 
This lens carries through with the light weight, small size and great image quality of the Canon EOS R.
 
The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX.
 
Rent the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro Lens from Lensrentals.

Image quality test results have been added to the Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS Lens page.
 
Here are some comparisons:
 
Sony 70-300 vs. Sony 100-400
Sony vs. Canon
Sony vs. Nikon (different resolution cameras)
Sony 70-300 vs. Sigma 100-400
Sony vs. Tamron
 
The Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX.
 
Rent the Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS Lens from Lensrentals.

In addition to image quality test results, vignetting, flare and distortion test results along with specs, measurements, standard product images and eye candy have been added to the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro Lens page.
 
The affordable Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX (preorder).
 
Rent the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro Lens from Lensrentals.

This is a story I shouldn't have to write. It is about how a small mistake made by Nikon USA, the simple omission of a space, has created a problem. One that I shouldn't have to spend any mental energy dealing with.
 
The name for a completely new series of products is important and sets the stage for future models. When Nikon's first full frame mirrorless cameras were announced, the product information disseminated from Nikon to the media clearly listed the model names as "Z 6" and "Z 7" – with a space between the letter and the number. I immediately thought those were reasonable names, short and simple, yet featuring separate line and model names with room to grow.
 
The problem came as we began integrating the information for those cameras with the retailer links. Apparently, there was a mistake in the new product information disseminated to retailers – the space between the letter and number was omitted. All retailers listed the cameras as "Z6" and "Z7".
 
That left us stuck in the middle. The parent should know the baby's name, right? When asked about this problem, Nikon’s official response was:
 
"“Z” is a letter symbolizing Nikon’s new camera brand. To emphasize this, there is a space between Z and 7/6."
 
Perfect. Now we know the right answer. The problem is that there are a lot more retailer websites listing the camera names incorrectly than Nikon USA websites with the correct names. To a computer, "Z 6" is different than "Z6", so in many cases, the space does matter. Even Google thinks the retailers must be right with its AI suggesting visitors searching for "Z 6" and "Z 7" instead search for "Z6" and "Z7". Retailers (and Google) have now trained those looking for these cameras to search for the space-less model names at an approximately 40:1 ratio.
 
Accuracy in a major product name seems important. Thus, we are leaving the space in place ... at least for now. Help spread the word – save the space!